Galaxy S23 vs iPhone 12 Pro

The Samsung Galaxy S23 (2023) and the iPhone 12 Pro (2020) represent different generations and operating systems within the premium smartphone market. While both offer a compact form factor and advanced features, the Galaxy S23, being a more recent Android device, brings a newer processor, a higher refresh rate display, and an updated camera system. The iPhone 12 Pro, running on iOS, provides a robust ecosystem and a strong focus on video capabilities.

The expected lifespan of a smartphone is influenced by its release date, software support, and physical resilience. These two devices, released years apart, offer different timelines for ongoing support and durability features.

• Release Timeline: The iPhone 12 Pro was released in October 2020, making it an older device compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23, which launched in February 2023. This age difference directly impacts the remaining period of official software updates. [1, 3, 10, 12, 16]
• Software Longevity: The Galaxy S23 is expected to receive four years of operating system updates and five years of security updates from its release, extending its software support into 2028. [16] Apple typically provides iOS updates for its devices for five to six years, with some users reporting even longer practical usability, meaning the iPhone 12 Pro is nearing the end of its guaranteed major OS updates. [34]
• Repairability and Materials: The Galaxy S23 has a repairability score of 8.2 out of 10, indicating a relatively straightforward repair process for common components. [42] The iPhone 12 Pro received a repairability score of 6 out of 10, with iFixit noting that while key components are modular, proprietary screws and increased waterproofing can complicate repairs. [6, 8, 17, 19, 23] Both devices feature glass and metal constructions, with the iPhone 12 Pro utilizing a Ceramic Shield front cover for enhanced drop protection. [2, 12, 35]

Performance is a key differentiator, with the newer Galaxy S23 benefiting from advancements in mobile processing technology, while the iPhone 12 Pro still offers a capable experience within its ecosystem.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S23 is equipped with a current-generation processor designed for high efficiency and demanding tasks, ensuring smooth operation across applications and gaming. [16, 35] The iPhone 12 Pro features a powerful chip from its release year, which continues to handle everyday applications and multitasking with responsiveness. [22, 31]
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: With 8GB of RAM, the Galaxy S23 offers ample capacity for seamless multitasking and quick app switching. [10, 35] The iPhone 12 Pro comes with 6GB of RAM, which contributes to a fluid iOS experience, allowing users to navigate the operating system and switch between applications effectively. [14, 31]
• Storage Options: The Galaxy S23 is available with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. [10, 35] The iPhone 12 Pro offers more flexibility with 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage configurations. [1, 2]
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 houses a 3900 mAh battery, which, combined with its efficient processor and display, provides a full day of moderate to heavy use, with some tests showing over 13 hours of video playback. [10, 18, 20, 35, 39] User reports for the iPhone 12 Pro indicate that its battery can last a full day with light usage, though heavy tasks like video calls can deplete it more quickly. [22, 34, 41]

Both devices offer high-quality displays, but the Galaxy S23 incorporates newer technology for enhanced brightness and a smoother visual experience.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S23 features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, providing vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. [16, 32] The iPhone 12 Pro also has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, known for its accurate color reproduction and high contrast ratio. [1, 4, 9, 11] Both offer sharp visuals suitable for media consumption and daily use.
• Brightness Levels: The Galaxy S23 can reach a peak brightness of 1750 nits, making it highly visible even in bright outdoor conditions. [16, 33, 36] The iPhone 12 Pro offers a typical maximum brightness of 800 nits, with a peak of 1200 nits for HDR content, providing a clear viewing experience in most environments. [1, 4, 9]
• Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S23 features an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz, which results in smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. [16, 26, 33, 35] The iPhone 12 Pro has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is consistent for everyday interactions but does not offer the same level of visual fluidity as higher refresh rate displays. [34]

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems, with the Galaxy S23 providing a more modern sensor array and the iPhone 12 Pro excelling in video recording capabilities.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S23 features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. [18, 29, 30, 35] The iPhone 12 Pro also has a triple 12MP camera system, comprising a wide, ultrawide, and a 2x optical telephoto lens. [4, 11, 14, 15]
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S23 delivers vibrant photos with good detail in various lighting conditions, with its main sensor performing well in low light. [18, 29, 30] The iPhone 12 Pro offers strong low-light performance, with Night mode available across multiple lenses and enhanced by its LiDAR scanner for faster autofocus in dim environments. [5, 7, 14, 15, 24]
• Video Recording: The Galaxy S23 supports video recording up to 8K at 30 frames per second. [29, 30] The iPhone 12 Pro is notable for its ability to capture HDR video with Dolby Vision at 4K resolution and up to 60 frames per second, offering excellent dynamic range and color accuracy for video content. [2, 14, 24]
• Front Camera: Both devices feature a 12MP front-facing camera, capable of capturing detailed selfies and supporting high-quality video calls. [14, 18, 35]